Paris Debuts: MINI Countryman WRC

MINI has unveiled the new MINI WRC debuted at the Paris Auto Show. The new MINI WRC, which will contest the FIA World Rally Championship from 2011, will receive its world premiere at this international motor show. In addition, Kris Meeke (GB) has been confirmed as one of the drivers who will contest the championship with this brand new rally car.

The MINI WRC, powered by a 1.6-litre, four-cylinder Di turbo-charged engine, recently received a baptism of fire, acquitting itself well during initial testing at Prodrive�s rally track. The company commenced development of the car in 2009, and a concept of the MINI WRC will be displayed in Paris.

The power transmission takes place via an Xtrac 6-speed, sequential gearbox. For its outings on the rally stages, the MINI Countryman chassis has been fitted with a roll cage developed by Prodrive, which exceeds the strict safety.

Source: MINI




Press Release

Paris.Visitors to the 2010 Mondial de l'Automobile in Paris (FR) can look forward to a special treat: The new MINI WRC, which will contest the FIA World Rally Championship from 2011, will receive its world premiere at this international motor show. In addition, Kris Meeke (GB) has been confirmed as one of the drivers who will contest the championship with this brand new rally car.

The MINI WRC, powered by a 1.6-litre, four-cylinder Di turbo-charged engine, recently received a baptism of fire, acquitting itself well during initial testing at Prodrive's rally track. The company commenced development of the car in 2009, and a concept of the MINI WRC will be displayed in Paris. "The Paris Motor Show is the perfect stage, on which to launch our MINI WRC," says Ian Robertson, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Sales and Marketing. "The response to our announcement that MINI will return to the world of rallying next year was very positive. The FIA World Rally Championship is the pinnacle of rallying, making it the ideal platform for demonstrating the competitive spirit of our brand. The development of the car isrunning on schedule, and the preparations for the world championship are in full swing. The MINI Countryman production model provided the ideal basis for our new world championship challenger."

The 2011 World Rally Championship will see the new MINI WRC contesting in six of 13 scheduled rounds, with MINI competing in the full 2012 season. In addition, Prodrive plans to make available customer versions to independent teams for use in the championship.

Rallying is hardly unchartered territory for MINI. In the past this popular motor sporting genre decisively shaped the image of the brand. The MINI Cooper S became a true legend through its numerous victories on Rally Monte Carlo. The European Rally Championship, too, saw MINI notch up serial successes. "MINI can look back on a successful tradition in rallying," says Dr WolfgangArmbrecht, Senior Vice President Brand Management MINI. "The interest in motorsport among the present generation of MINI customers is massive. The WRC provides an excellent communications platform for the MINI Countryman,upon which the MINI WRC is based."

Prodrive, an experienced motorsport operation, was chosen as the partner in the quest to continue MINI's success story. The company, founded by David Richards, is viewed as one of the most respected and successful in rallying. "This project is a truly passionate opportunity," believes Richards. "MINI is a cult brand which left a lasting impression during its previous motorsport campaigns. We are both extremely happy and proud to be on board as a partner when MINI returns to rallying. We aim to use 2011 as a preparatory year, amassing experience in order to ensure we are fully competitive from the start of the following season. But let's not underestimate the task ahead of us nor the stiff competition we will face on the way, however our target is firmly set on winning the World Championship title again with MINI."

Prodrive was founded in 1984, and has established itself as one of motorsport's leading independent teams. Currently employing over 500 staff, the company is based in Banbury (GB). Among other successes, Prodrive has to date won six World Rally Championships, five British Touring Car titles, and scored three class victories in France's classic Le Mans 24 Hours.

Kris Meeke has been confirmed as the first driver to compete for Prodrive in the MINI WRC. The rally ace from Dungannon (GB) first came to prominence when he won the British Junior Rally Championship in 2002. Numerous victories and titles were to follow. With support from his long-term mentor and former rally world champion, the late Colin McRae (GB), Meeke has been able tosuccessfully establish himself on the rally scene. The Northern Irishman celebrated his most recent success last year, when he won the Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC).

The MINI Countryman is the youngest MINI model and also the first to be equipped with an all-wheel-drive system. Therefore this model provided the logical basis for a competitive rally derivative. The flagship MINI Cooper S Countryman is powered by a 1,6-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine, supplemented not only by a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct fuel injection, but also fullyvariable valve management - so offering by far the best relationship between engine power and fuel consumption in its class. The engine produces an impressive 135 kW / 184 bhp, and accelerates the MINI Cooper S Countryman from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds.

As part of the MINIMALISM concept, a range of fuel- and emission-reducing features are fitted as standard and/or in appropriate combinations, including Brake Energy Regeneration, the Auto Start/Stop function, Shift Point Display and the need-based operation of ancillary components.

All MINI Cooper S Countryman and MINI Cooper D Countryman are optionally available with permanent MINI ALL4 all-wheel drive, with an electro-hydraulic differential positioned directly on the final drive varying the distribution from front to rear in an infinite process. Under normal driving conditions up to 50 per cent of the engine's power goes to the rear wheels; under extreme conditions up to 100 per cent, offering a new, high-traction rendition of the agile handling so typical of MINI.

The heart of the MINI WRC is the BMW Motorsport-developed 1.6 litre, fourcylinder Di turbo-charged engine which can be deployed not only in the WRC, but also in other championships running to the FIA's Super2000 regulations. The power transmission takes place via an Xtrac 6-speed, sequential gearbox. For its outings on the rally stages, the MINI Countryman chassis has been fitted with a roll cage developed by Prodrive, which exceeds the strict safety.

Concept Car : Citroen Survolt 2010

Increased further studies LEMON CITRO�N�S of the original and distinctive electric cars, which began at a concept car Revolt Show in Frankfurt last year. Increases the ideas were implemented in his head is a radically new vision, a synthesis of glam-haute couture and fantasy with a stamp in motorsport.



The desire to get rid of the restrictions one�s to build the courage, and is written in the DNA LEMON CITRO�N�S Break with convention, shaking changes to the rules and limits of observation, is a passionate brand of the issue during his 90-year history has never ceased to develop innovative components ahead of time. Increases in one of them. Contact Revolt of genetic material, and more sporting dimension mix extroverted.



Luxurious accessories that go on the computer CITRO�N�S more cedar response of the universe, the car feels far too often in a bad mood. Minutes longer in existence, violates existing codes to launch a new kind of B-segment in style, sporty and stylish. In contrast to current trends and future scenarios show combines elegance and grace, charm and passion on the species, sublimation of nature, the transmission of electricity.



Innovative and sensual



The small size 3.85 m long, 1.87 wide and 1.20 m high% u2013 back for more sports car styling elements to a new and revolutionary.



Stylish front panel controls and a distinctive oval grille, a big house in the middle of a strike Double Chevron. car�s �look� fascinating and profound at the same time, attract and retain viewer�s the image viewer with the promise of the crime as quickly as possible. His thin, horizontal headlamps, which are inspired by high quality sports images, magnetic force, when to deliver the signature of the LED to a modern, innovative technology.



Increases miles to eat and move around on the street. Low and stylish, sensual contrasts and generous hood, carved items, rose arches, the promise of efficiency and excitement to stress.



Increases Survolt�s the flow of draft air is heavy and feelings of sexuality. It is a recognition of the speed, precision and vitality, which includes muscles, a strong and well defined elegant and luxurious. Light brand with a stylish spoiler Revolt references to motor sports.



Increases are innovative and effective but also capable of charm, her best assets on the stage and reveals the motor sports arena. It is a two-tone paint, shades of gray, pink and charcoal, and play materials and sizes. Step satin smooth curves and glossy, and finally break the traditional male sports codes. Additions to the work begun Revolt is on again a mix of both worlds, which appeared in opposition. Modesty prevented in order to improve the style, their own language.



The inclusion of materials such as aluminum and chromium, inevitably recall the luxury and sports cars. This adds the perfect combination of high fashion and fast cars that are same philosophy Union, and the revolt of the keys to productivity, quality and advanced technology.



Stylish Sports



Cab Survolt�s increase was designed for mobile and stationary arc between chromium and a beautiful glass ornaments. Motto further violation of luxury and combine with the world of sport.



The cockpit is resistant to two worlds, of course, developed. This connection produces organic universe, as well as technical and power, starts the season driver. Interior is designed with comfort and elegance of two people, making a great pleasure and a unique experience.



Car�s generous glass brings light and offer a sense of space, light sports cars today�s.



Transcendent and feelings



Time, fascinated by the mania of its innovative technology, the environment. How to revolt, mania run on electricity, the sports scores for environment and sustainable development links. But the world is a very rare breed, this technique, the federal government is incomprehensible. But the courage of the cedar and creates a breach of contract is more high. Impeccable green values in a movement, the joy of driving, emotion, performance and durability, all combines extreme comfort, and the machine is quiet in operation.



CEDAR offers a new vision of the car mania, exercise, in full conformity with its history of 90 years, a brand based on creativity and technological innovations .

AUDI QUATTRO ON FESTIVAL

Audi, which formally began life as a car manufacturer on July 16 1909, wheeled out its �stars and cars� as part of its Centenary celebrations.

The German manufacturer has supported the annual motorsport extravaganza for the past 13 years and fittingly was the �featured marque� at this year�s �True Grit � Epic Feats of Endurance� themed event attended by 150,000 spectators over all three days.

Ultra-rare Auto Union Grand Prix cars, all-wheel-drive Audi quattro rally and touring cars, plus its latest diesel-engined Le Mans sportscars � documenting over 70 years of motorsport involvement by the Four Rings brand � were in action up the 1.8-mile hillclimb.

AUDI QUATTRO ON FESTIVAL

Audi, which formally began life as a car manufacturer on July 16 1909, wheeled out its �stars and cars� as part of its Centenary celebrations.

The German manufacturer has supported the annual motorsport extravaganza for the past 13 years and fittingly was the �featured marque� at this year�s �True Grit � Epic Feats of Endurance� themed event attended by 150,000 spectators over all three days.

Ultra-rare Auto Union Grand Prix cars, all-wheel-drive Audi quattro rally and touring cars, plus its latest diesel-engined Le Mans sportscars � documenting over 70 years of motorsport involvement by the Four Rings brand � were in action up the 1.8-mile hillclimb.